The automotive rumor mill is all but convinced that the Tesla Model S will get a significant styling and drivetrain update soon. Last week, we brought you the news that Tesla may be planning to update the styling of the Model S to more closely match the Model X and Model 3. Today, we get a rumor about the powertrain, and it’s a biggie.
According to The Verge, Tesla may be ready to add a 100kWh battery to the Model S lineup as soon as this week. This would increase the driving range offered by the current largest battery option, 90kWh?Electrek‘s back-of-the-envelope calculations foresee a driving range of as much as 320 miles for a hypothetical Model S P100D, although that’s a rough guess. We’d also bet that a potential Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode might get incrementally quicker acceleration, but that could just be wishful thinking on our part. The Verge also reports that the updated Model S could get the “Bioweapon Defense Mode” currently offered on the Model X, which seals off the passenger cabin from outside air and runs the air-conditioned air through a giant HEPA filter, a truly Muskian gimmick.
And as we reported last week, we expect the Model S to get updated styling, with the Model X’s smaller front “grille” and updated LED headlights and taillights.
Tesla, as always, won’t comment on rumor or speculation, and the automaker’s habit of last-minute delays means we should view this rumor with a bi...